expletive

Definition of expletive

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a: a syllable, word, or phrase inserted to fill a vacancy (as in a sentence or a metrical line) without adding to the senseespecially: a word (such as it in "make it clear which you prefer") that occupies the position of the subject or object of a verb in normal English word order and anticipates a subsequent word or phrase that supplies the needed meaningful content

b: an exclamatory word or phraseespecially: one that is obscene or profane

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